Two children and one adult died when two school buses crashed this afternoon in East Knoxville, Tennessee, authorities said.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims but said the students were all kindergarten through third graders and the adult who died was an aide.
Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre called the wreck an "unspeakable tragedy" and said grief counselors will be available for students this week. He said he hasn't decided whether to close schools for Wednesday.
Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch, who was at the scene, said there's been a strong outpouring of support from the community and rescue agencies. Holding back tears, he asked the public to "pray for the loss of lives."
"It's a horrible tragedy -- our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones today," he said.
Knoxville police said a number of students were injured and were transported to area hospitals. Three were taken to UT Medical Center.
East Tennessee Children's Hospital was treating 20 patients with "non-life threatening injuries, a spokesman said. Of those,18 arrived by bus and were able to walk off the bus and into the hospital by themselves. Two students arrived by private vehicle.
Ryan Redman, the emergency room director for Children's Hospital, said the majority of the students were treated for bruises, bumps and cuts, and that he expects most of them to go home by Tuesday night.
He said the students "were obviously scared," and that social workers and volunteers are meeting with them as needed.
According to Knox County Schools officials, the buses involved serve Chilhowee Intermediate School and Sunnyview Primary School. They said they will contact the parents of the students involved directly.
Asheville Highway was shut down after the accident and will be for several hours
This is just a real sad news !!! really Emotional..
